AKA Elevates Its Properties With Outstanding Works of Art
A reflection of serene and sophisticated design.
AKA offers sophisticated hotel accommodations and generously appointed residences, boasting exceptional business, wellness, and lifestyle amenities in iconic neighborhoods. As pioneers of extended stay living, we have seamlessly integrated our core residential principles to redefine the hotel experience, emphasizing comfort and livability. AKA’s spaces are a reflection of serene and sophisticated design, striking a harmonious balance between the privacy and coziness of a residence and the attentive service and style of an intimate hotel, infusing elements of residential living.
Opened in May 2023, the spaces at Hotel AKA Nomad are the brainchild of globally renowned architect and designer Piero Lissoni, who, in his inaugural U.S. hotel project, has skillfully crafted an atmosphere of serenity and unity inspired by a diverse range of influences, spanning from Japan to Scandinavia. The furnishings and fixtures hail from the world’s foremost artisans, including LEMA, Living Divani, Porro, and Salvatori. Notably, the lobby boasts exquisite creations by the Dutch duo XandL, featuring abstract compositions crafted from hand-dyed pieces of handwoven silk meticulously stitched together. The guestrooms and suites showcase art from various Scandinavian talents, all chosen for their use of soft, organic graphics and minimalist shapes.
Studio Atomic’s impressive light sculpture, a collaborative effort between Piero Lissoni Studio and Kacper Dolatowski, founder of Axon Lighting Design, is an awe-inspiring creation made from fluted glass from the Czech Republic and bronze, illuminated by LED lighting, and meticulously crafted by Axon.
The Lissoni Studio-designed staircase is a remarkable feat, constructed from 3/4 inch cold-rolled plate steel, with the stair treads composed of Piera D’Avola stone. It was manufactured in Canada and transported to the site in three large sections, skillfully welded together on-site. The painstaking finishing process involved three weeks of sanding, priming, and applying finish coats, with the final coat featuring a custom-blended paint enriched with nearly 20 pounds of metal dust per gallon, resulting in a captivating metallic finish. To add a touch of drama and serve as a strong focal point, Lissoni Studio opted for a substantial, nearly spherical rendition of Isamu Noguchi‘s Akari light sculpture.
Meanwhile, at Hotel AKA Alexandria, which welcomed guests in April 2023, the lobby is adorned with screens created by Antonio Murado in their lounge area, and another captivating piece, “The Orange Pencil,” graces the property’s reception. Artist Brendan Young of the Mineheart collective offered insights into “The Orange Pencil,” explaining its inspiration rooted in a psychological study on the ‘facial feedback’ theory of emotion, revealing that people were happier when using their facial muscles, as smiling and certain facial expressions could genuinely elevate their mood.
Moreover, AKA West Hollywood recently commissioned a new large-scale public art piece — a 10×40 feet mural created by emerging LA artist Kenyan Armitage. The AKA brand has long been a patron of the arts, but this is the largest work to-date that they’ve commissioned. Titled “Joy will Prevail,” Kenyan was inspired by the strength of the human condition in the face of challenges and uncertainties. Through the vibrant colors, layering of paint splatters, the positive messaging woven throughout the mural, and the movement and imperfections, she wanted to send a powerful message to residents and locals that we all have the strength to find joy in chaos.
Lastly, AKA West Palm, which made its debut in December 2022, features artworks by Austin Kerr in the lobby, complemented by a sprawling mural by Corey Paige titled ‘Stay Happy, Stay AKA.’
